Tag based key management for London office building

Cloud based services and NFC tags from HID Global will be used at CityPoint in London for physical key tracking to improve guard patrol management

HID Global has been selected by CityPoint to streamline security and management systems for its 35-storey office building used by thousands of people on a daily basis in London,. In partnership with MyTAG.io, HID Global’s cloud-based services and Near-Field Communication (NFC) tags were deployed to automate CityPoint’s paper-based system for tracking 220 physical keys, improve their security guard patrol of 295 checkpoints, and create a better solution for auditing billable contractor hours. CityPoint’s overall goal of the new system was to maintain the highest security standards to protect CityPoint staff, tenants, guests and assets, while ensuring seamless day-to-day operation of the building.

The new cloud-based system combines MyTAG.io’s security management software with HID Trusted Tag® Services, and enables CityPoint to deploy the solution using their existing IT infrastructure along with standard NFC-enabled smartphones, tablets and NFC USB readers. The system integrates key management, security patrol and contractor services into a single interface to deliver more accurate and actionable information in real time.

“HID Trusted Tag Services enables secure proof-of-presence with frictionless cloud authentication, which is the ideal match for commercial and private real estate properties,” said Mike George, managing director of MyTAG.io. “With full integration into MyTAG.io, the opportunities are limitless to deploy proof-of-presence and other trusted NFC capabilities throughout CityPoint as their business needs continue to evolve.”

HID Global’s NFC-enabled Epoxy Tag Keyfob transponders, Inlays and Labels, Poly Tag transponders and familiar ISO Card badges were deployed to identify assets, checkpoints and people throughout the facility. A simple tap was the only training needed to ensure effective system deployment, while HID Trusted Tag Services – in contrast to traditional NFC tags – also ensures each tap with an NFC smart device is secure, unique and impossible to clone.

“The CityPoint solution required placement of unique identifiers at hundreds of points within the building and the surrounding grounds outside, in addition to equipping the staff and contractors,” said Mark Robinton, director of business development, Identification Technologies with HID Global. “As part of our NFC continuum, HID Global offers the industry’s broadest, most flexible line of NFC tags, coupled with our innovative HID Trusted Tag Services. This made it possible to fulfil the diverse environmental and security requirements at CityPoint.”

With the new solution, CityPoint has significantly reduced the amount of time and resources spent managing and replacing lost or stolen keys. Today, CityPoint can account for each key in real time, and they have access to historical issuance and return activities to better understand which keys are in demand. Patrolling security guards now tap each tour checkpoint with their NFC-enabled smartphone, providing more timely and detailed reporting. As a result, CityPoint has reported an increase in efficiency based on digital tracking, which has reduced the time it takes for each individual security patrol. CityPoint has also noted improvement in the management of their contract employee partners, where more precise, auditable time and attendance ensures CityPoint is paying only for services rendered, and contractors are ensured fair compensation for work completed.

“Technology and tenant needs have changed dramatically since this building first opened 50 years ago, and CityPoint thrives today by adapting quickly to change, while striving to operate our facilities at the forefront of technology,” said Lee Murray, CityPoint building manager. “MyTAG.io showed us how their solutions, integrated with NFC technology from HID Global, could enhance the accuracy and efficiency across our key management, security guard patrol and contract management functions - all using a common platform.”

The CityPoint deployment underscores the value of HID Global solutions that are part of the company’s mobility initiative, which enables users to confidently use more applications on the go, with a trusted ID that can be carried on smart devices.